Dolphin turn back Sharks, near baseball series crown

Manila, Philippines -  Cebu came away with two runs in the eighth inning as the Dolphins escaped with a thrilling 8-6 victory over the Manila Sharks yesterday to move a win away from capturing the Baseball Philippines Series 9 crown at the Rizal Memorial Baseball Stadium.

Lorenzo Ubungen slammed a two-run double in the eighth to score Joennard Pareja and Nico Uichico as the Dolphins frustrated the defending champion Sharks, who tied the game at the top of the eighth, for the victory.

Pareja and Uichico drew consecutive walks off losing pitcher Warren Vispo as Cebu put runners in scoring position.

Manila tried to hold off Cebu’s charge by putting in Roel Baclay for Vispo to no avail as Ubungen came through a base hit to clear the bases.

The Dolphins go for the championship series in Game Two of the best-of-three series set at 1 p.m. today, also at the Rizal Memorial diamond.

The Sharks forced a 6-all count on a two-run single by Vispo.

It was a see-saw battle from the start with Cebu scoring four runs in the sixth inning to surge ahead at 6-4. But Manila tied the game to set up the thrilling finish.

Emerson Atilano drew a one-out double but Cebu pitcher Joseph Orillana put out Jarus Inobio and Jennald Pareja.

Orillana had five hits, two runs and strikeouts in five innins in anchoring the Dolphins’ victory.

The league is sponsored by Gatorade, Emperador Light, Clark Development Corp., Harbour Centre, Philippine Transmarine Corp., Summit Water and Eagle Sky Inc. with backing from Philippine Sports Commission, Philippine Olympic Committee, Philippine Amateur Baseball Association and the Philippine Umpires Association.

For more information, log on to www.baseballphilippines.com and www.facebook.com/baseballphilippines.